ABOUT US
Our Story
Hilo's premiere Jazz & Blues Festival since 2012
Hilo's premiere Jazz & Blues Festival since 2012
Hilo's premiere Jazz & Blues Festival since 2012
Hilo's premiere Jazz & Blues Festival since 2012
The East Hawaiʻi Jazz & Blues Festival is one of the most popular music events on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, drawing sell-out crowds of local and out-of-state guests. We started out 13 years ago as an intimate Sunday afternoon wine and pūpū fundraiser at the former Nihon Restaurant in Hilo. The event has since evolved into the largest Jazz Festival in Hawaiʻi, spanning seven days and highlighted by more than 30 performances, workshops, and school visits.
The East Hawaiʻi Jazz & Blues Festival is held annually during the last Sunday in October. The 2026 festival kicks off on October 25 at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel with an exciting lineup of performances on three stages. The festival is the signature fundraising event for Hawaiʻi Island Veterans Memorial Inc. (HIVM) and features a "heavy" pūpū buffet, no-host bar, and non-stop music by some of Hawaiʻi’s finest jazz and blues musicians along with highly acclaimed artists from the mainland.
Purpose
The East Hawaiʻi Jazz & Blues Festival has helped raise awareness and resources necessary for Hawai'i Island Veteran's Memorial to meet its mission of providing affordable housing and healthcare-related facilities to local veterans. In December 2024, we marked the completion of Hale Na Koa ‘O Hanakahi, our 92-unit, affordable senior living community in Hilo. The project broke ground in February 2023 and was built in partnership with EAH Housing at a cost of $60 million. Now fully occupied, the facility primarily serves veterans and their spouses as well as income-eligible seniors on Hawaiʻi Island.
HIVM also oversaw the construction of hydrant and domestic water lines — key infrastructure for a new, 1-acre living facility to house temporary medical professionals. Located just below Hale Na Koa ʻO Hanukahi, the units will accommodate off-island medical specialists serving both veterans and senior community members.
Supporting affordable housing and healthcare for veterans
Sponsors
Mahalo to all of our current and past sponsors!
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